Ford Flex: A Comprehensive Overview of the Mid-Size Premium Crossover SUV

Introduction to the Ford Flex

Though it doesn’t look like one at first, the Ford Flex is actually classified as a mid-size premium crossover SUV. Ford introduced the Flex at the Chicago Auto Show back in 2005 as a concept car, while the real deal made its debut at the NY Auto Show two years later. The Flex shares its D4 platform with the Ford Explorer and a few Lincoln models as well. While the first-generation model’s production run lasted until 2011, the Blue Oval had already come up with a facelift for the Flex. It’s still in its first generation, despite being over a decade old now. However, I have my doubts if the Flex will last too long as the American auto giant might finally decide to cut the cord on it in the next couple of years.

Dimensions and Space

As is plenty evident, the Ford Flex is quite a large car. It stands over:

• 5.1 meters in length
• 1.9 meters in width
• 1.7 meters at the roof

Its near 3-meter wheelbase means there’s actually space inside to seat up to seven people - making this quite a practical wagon. Essentially a front-wheel-drive platform, the Flex is one of the most unique and fast mainstream Fords that’s currently on sale today.

Engine and Performance

Under that long and flat hood sits a 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine. In the UAE, like every other market the Flex sells in, this six-cylinder motor is available with or without forced induction. In the base and mid variants, you’ll find the former which makes:

• 290 hp at 6,500 rpm
• 345 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm

It’s mated to a regular 6-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels (base trim) or all four corners (SEL trim).

Pricing and Variants

In the UAE, the base SE trim and mid-option SEL (with AWD) of the Flex cost AED 125,900 and AED 158,900, respectively. In terms of performance, both of these are pretty decent, though the all-wheel drive SEL is a tad bit quicker on its feet:

1. 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds (SEL)
2. 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds (SE)

As for fuel economy, the latter would be easier on the wallet as it consumes about 9.1 L/100 km, whereas the AWD trim can only manage around 10.0 L/100 km.

Features and Equipment

Even the base Flex comes with features such as:

• Cruise control
• Keyless entry
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Electrically-operated driver’s seat
• Parking sensors with rear camera
• Split-folding rear seats

The mid-option SEL adds:

• Chrome door handles and exhaust tips
• Automatic headlamps
• Dual-zone climate control
• Power-operated front passenger seat
• Push-button start
• Remote engine start
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 8-inch touch-multimedia display

Safety Features

Furthermore, both SE and SEL trims of the Flex feature:

• Six airbags
• Stability & traction control programmes
• Rollover mitigation
• Tire-pressure monitor
• ABS with EBD and brake assist

At the top-end, we have the fully-loaded Flex EcoBoost Limited AWD coming in at AED 195,900. As its name suggests, this trim gets the potent turbocharged avatar of the 3.5-liter V6, producing:

• 365 hp of maximum power
• 474 Nm of peak torque

The EcoBoost powerplant can get this two-ton wagon to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 200 km/h. However, it’s not the most fuel-efficient of the two engines, burning around 9.9 liters of petrol every 100 kilometers.

Conclusion

For your money, the Ford Flex Limited includes additional safety equipment such as:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Other noteworthy features include:

• Leather seats
• HID headlights
• Ambient lighting
• Ventilated front seats
• Premium Sony audio system